Betschdorf, village of potters, Alsace

In the 18th century, potters from North Rhine introduced here an original technique : the sandstone polished with salt.

Sandstone products are characterised by a very low porosity resulting in a remarkable hardness and a waterproof, ideal to keep cooking. However, these pottery are not appropriated to go to the oven.

Such ceramics are achieved through a cooking over 1250° C, significantly higher than conventional ceramics temperature.

Some salt is thrown in quantity in the fire at the end of the cooking, forming a clear varnish.

The potteries are characterized by their grey colour, traditionally enhanced by scenery made with blue cobalt.

http://www.pays-Betschdorf-hatten.c...